Peter Schmeichel is an iconic figure in Manchester United's living history.

The Great Dane was tremendous for the Reds in his nine seasons in the club, with his career at Old Trafford culminating in a famous treble in 1999.

His commanding presence proved difficult to replace though, and it was not until Edwin van der Sar came to the club in 2005 that Sir Alex Ferguson could once again have total confidence in his last line of defence.

The former Reds boss signed a number of keepers between the Dane and the Dutchman, but none of them proved to be a success.

With news that one of those, Roy Carroll, is on the lookout for a new club in England, M.E.N Sport takes a look at the period where United sought an adequate replacement for Schmeichel.

MARK BOSNICH (1999-2001): Started his career with the Reds and returned in 1999 as the potential successor to Schmeichel. Played his part in the next season's title-winning campaign but fell out of favour with Ferguson and was effectively replaced by Barthez.

RAIMOND VAN DER GOUW (1996-2002): Arrived from the Netherlands as Schmeichel's backup and was also number two with Barthez, but did challenge for a starting berth and had his moments in a Reds shirt.

NICK CULKIN (1997-2002): Came to United as a 17-year-old but only made one competitive appearance. Struggled with injuries and retired in 2005, but made a comeback five years later with Radcliffe Borough.

MASSIMO TAIBI (1999-2000): A £4.5m signing, Taibi only ended up playing four games after letting a Matt Le Tissier shot dribble through his legs in a game with Southampton. Joined Reggina after a successful loan spell there.

PAUL RACHUBKA (2000-02): A youth team product, Rachubka played a total of three games before moving to Charlton for a fee of £200,000.

FABIEN BARTHEZ (2000-04): Served United well in his time at the club and made nearly 100 appearances, but his eccentric nature sometimes proved to be detrimental to the team and inconsistent form led to him being dropped for Carroll in 2003.

ANDY GORAM (2001): The Scottish veteran filled in for United when both Barthez and Van der Gouw were injured. He joined on loan and played two games.

ROY CARROLL (2001-05): Signed from Wigan, Carroll made almost 50 appearances but will be most remembered for a game against Spurs in 2007, when he spilled an effort from Pedro Mendes over the line but got away with it after the officials failed to notice. Played for several British teams after leaving Old Trafford and has just left Greek side Olympiacos.

RICARDO (2002-05): Signed as a backup and only played a handful of matches for the Reds before being released on a free. Spent the rest of his career at Spanish side Osasuna.

TIM HOWARD (2003-07): Looked promising at Old Trafford but lost his place to Carroll several times and could not establish himself as the number one keeper. Signed for Everton on loan in 2006 and moved there permanently a year later.